When it comes to creating aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting retail environments, the choice of material is highly important. Shopfitters seeking to balance aesthetics with durability and cost efficiency can do so with the use of solid grade laminate (SGL) which is used for countertops, display units, furniture, shelving and partition panels.
Whether fitting out a boutique, a high street store or a busy showroom, understanding how solid grade laminate performs in shopfitting applications allows specifiers and contractors to select and install material with confidence.
What is solid grade laminate made of?
Solid grade laminate is made from multiple layers of kraft paper which are bonded with thermosetting polymer or plastic under high heat and pressure. This creates a strong and non-porous material ideal for high humidity and impact prone applications.
How can solid grade laminate be used in shopfitting?
Due to its extensive properties and versatility, solid grade laminate can be used in multiple environments within retail facilities. Its durability means it can withstand heavy use from retail displays and pressure from repeated unloading and loading of merchandise.
Solid grade laminate can also be used in the construction of check out counters and islands as its scratch resistance protects the surface from impact from scanning guns, bags and customer interactions.
Retail environments often display feature walls and branded signs. With striking finishes, solid grade laminate can be used in these displays and signs to enhance visual appeal while also resisting wear and tear.
Solid grade laminate is ideal for use in fitting rooms in clothing stores. It can be chosen to create interior partitions, benches and accessories which are easy to clean and maintain a hygienic environment.
Some retail spaces also feature food displays. Thanks to its moisture resistant and easy cleanability, solid grade laminate can be used to display food safely and hygienically.
Visit our buyer’s guide to explore other uses of solid grade laminate such as locker doors and toilet cubicles.
What are the benefits of solid grade laminate for shopfitting applications?
Solid grade laminate combines durability and hygienic performance properties that result in less frequent repair or replacement and ensures a longer lifecycle for shopfitting installations.
- Moisture and heat resistance: With its high humidity resistance and water repellent service, solid grade laminate is ideal for use near entrances, behind coffee counters or around sinks.
- High impact resistance: Solid grade laminate is ideal for busy stores with high foot traffic, where displays, shelving, counters and checkout areas are subject to constant use and stock movement.
- Scratch and abrasion resistance: In environments where merchandise racks and trolleys operate close to surfaces, solid grade laminate maintains aesthetic appeal over time and keeps finishes looking newer for longer.
- Designed for frequent cleaning: The non-porous surface allows repeated cleaning without swelling, blistering or damaging the surface, making it ideal in fitting rooms and display units or areas prone to spillages from food and drink.
- Antibacterial performance: Solid grade laminate is with antibacterial surface properties, making it well suited to food, beauty, pharmacy and other hygiene-sensitive retail environments.
- Cost effective in the long term: With high durability and impact resistance, solid grade laminate ensures a longer lifespan. This means fewer replacements and repairs, less maintenance and lower lifecycle costs.
Customisation for shopfitters
One of the major advantages of solid grade laminate in shopfitting is how easily it can be customised to suit almost any specification.
Available in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, solid grade laminate provides the aesthetic flexibility specifiers, contractors and shopfitters need. But more importantly, it provides a durable, consistent finish that holds up long after installation and handover. That means you can deliver premium-looking counters, wall features, display units and high-touch surfaces without the ongoing maintenance issues associated with some alternative materials.
At Panel Systems, we’ve been fabricating solid grade laminate for over 50 years, using advanced CNC routing, precision cutting, and a team of skilled CAD designers to help shopfitters bring concepts to life quickly and with precision.
With both 3-axis and full 5-axis CNC machinery, including 3D machining capability, we’re able to produce SGL components to precise tolerances — achieving smooth finishes, clean edges, and exceptional accuracy. We also work with leading SGL suppliers including Fundermax, Polyrey, Formica, Abet, Arpa, and Greenlam, allowing us to deliver high-quality solutions tailored to your project requirements, regardless of the space, application, or complexity.
For more information about our CNC machining services for Solid Grade Laminate contact our team. Or to request a quote call us on 01909 771 285 or email sales@panelsystems.co.uk.
